James Preston Tate

James Preston Tate, 72, beloved brother and friend, passed away on November 6, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on October 6, 1953, he was the son of the late James Oliver Tate and Helen Robbs Tate.

Jim grew up in Kings Mountain, N.C., one of four children. After graduating from Kings Mountain High School in 1971, he earned a degree in business administration from Western Carolina University where he was a member of the Theta Xi fraternity.

After college, Jim worked as a sales manager for Drydene Oil Company in Charlotte and then as a district sales manager for Genuine Parts Co. in Atlanta, G.A. A long-time member of Central Methodist Church in Kings Mountain, Jim eventually felt called to join the ministry. He attended Gardner-Webb University and Hood Theological Seminary, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in 2007. His church family was a great source of support throughout his journey to become a minister.

After being ordained by the United Methodist Church, Jim became pastor of Marvin United Methodist Church in Lincolnton, N.C., where he served for 13 years. He went on to serve at congregations in Denver, N.C., and Dallas, N.C., before his retirement in 2021 as a full Elder in the Methodist Church.

While Jim’s jobs took him to various places, his house on Lake Montonia was where he called home. It was his favorite place in the world, allowing him to enjoy the many water sports he loved–swimming, water skiing, sailing–and host family cookouts by the lake.

Known for his kind heart and humble nature, Jim maintained friendships with people from all aspects of his life. He was devoted to his family, and his sister described him as “the perfect big brother.” He took his parents out to dinner every Friday night until his father’s health declined. Then he took his mother out to breakfast every Saturday morning. He often helped both friends and family in ways no one knew about, and he made a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Jim enjoyed giving back to his community. He served as a past president of the Kings Mountain Jaycees. He was a Master Mason of Freemasonry for 25 years and was also a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, USA.

In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his niece, Allison Hardin. He is survived by his sisters, Gloria Tate Hardin and Lynn Tate Yates, and his brother, Brad Tate (wife, Karen). He is also survived by nieces Adriane Hardin Smith (husband, Junior), and Jessica Tate Bigos (husband, David), and nephew Chad Yates (wife, Andrea), as well as numerous great-nieces and nephews.

A funeral service to honor Jim’s life will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Central Methodist Church in Kings Mountain. The family will receive friends in the Christian Activities Center from 1:00 to 1:50 p.m. Arrangements are in the care of Harris Funeral Home in Kings Mountain.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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ARRANGEMENTS: HARRIS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA